On July 4th, 1776, the men and women of the original Thirteen Colonies declared independence from British rule and set course to become a constitutional republic. Although the American Civil War later threatened the nation’s survival, a reunited country joyously celebrated its 100th birthday in 1876 with a renewed sense of national identity. The centerpiece of these festivities was the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition, a massive 285-acre world’s fair that invited the global community to commemorate America’s achievements. This milestone sparked an enormous public demand for Centennial souvenirs, flooding the consumer market with everything from commemorative coins to themed housewares. Similarly, the Bicentennial celebration of 1976 inspired a widespread wave of patriotism and nostalgia across the United States. Capitalizing on a collective desire for a simpler time, manufacturers quickly produced a vast array of patriotic clothing, crafts, and kitchenware that allowed everyday citizens to take home a piece of history.
This exhibit is part of the Museum’s “Windows on Collections” – A frequently changing exhibit of artifacts from the Museum’s growing collection. Depending upon any given theme, this exhibit ranges from the topical to the bizarre.
See this exhibit before it’s gone!
Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum
204 S. Main St; Wichita, KS 67202
1st Floor – Main Street Entrance